Best Demat Accounts in India – 2025 Guide for Traders & Investors
Best Demat Accounts in India — In today’s fast-paced digital economy, investing in the Indian stock market has never been easier. With just a smartphone and internet connection, you can buy and sell shares in real-time. But before you start trading or investing, you must open a Demat account — a digital account that holds your shares and securities.
Choosing the best Demat account in India is crucial, as the right platform can save you from excessive brokerage fees, offer better user experience, and give access to premium research tools.
This guide will help you compare and choose the top Demat accounts in India 2025 based on features like:
- Brokerage charges
- Account opening & AMC fees
- Mobile trading apps
- Customer support
- Trading experience
Whether you’re an experienced investor, a day trader, or someone looking to open their first free Demat account, this article will help you make an informed decision while maximising your savings and returns.
What is a Demat Account?
A Demat (Dematerialised) account is an electronic account that allows you to hold shares and other securities in digital format. It eliminates the need for physical certificates and simplifies the process of stock trading and investing.
In India, Demat accounts are regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and maintained by two depositories:
- NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited)
- CDSL (Central Depository Services Limited)
A Demat account works much like a savings account, except it holds shares instead of cash. It’s mandatory for anyone looking to invest in equities, mutual funds, ETFs, IPOs, or even government securities.
Why You Need a Good Demat Account in 2025?
With a growing number of retail investors and rising stock market participation in India, choosing the right Demat account is essential because:
- You save on brokerage and hidden charges
- You get access to advanced trading tools
- A good platform ensures seamless order execution
- You receive timely reports, research, and market updates
- It improves your experience on online trading platforms
Pro Tip: Always choose a Demat account that offers a user-friendly app, zero or low annual charges, and fast customer support. Look out for offers like “no account opening charges” or “zero brokerage on delivery“.
Top 10 Best Demat Accounts in India – 2025
1. Zerodha Demat Account
- Best for: Low brokerage, advanced trading platform
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹300/year
- Brokerage: ₹0 for equity delivery; ₹20 or 0.03% for intraday/F&O
- Platform: Kite Web & Mobile App
Zerodha is India’s largest discount broker and offers the lowest brokerage charges with an excellent app for smooth online trading. Its zero brokerage on equity delivery is a big plus for long-term investors.
2. Upstox Demat Account
- Best for: Budget investors and new traders
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹0 (first year free)
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order or 0.05% (whichever is lower)
- Platform: Upstox Pro App
Upstox offers zero account opening fees with competitive brokerage, making it ideal for beginners and traders seeking low brokerage trading accounts.
3. Groww Demat Account
- Best for: Beginners and mutual fund investors
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: Free
- Brokerage: ₹20 per executed order
- Platform: Groww Mobile App
Groww is perfect for first-time investors wanting a free Demat account with a simple, intuitive interface supporting equity and mutual fund investments.
4. Angel One Demat Account
- Best for: Full-service features with discount brokerage
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: Free for first year
- Brokerage: ₹0 for delivery; ₹20 per order for others
- Platform: Angel One App & Web
Angel One blends research tools and advisory services with affordable brokerage, suited for investors wanting expert guidance alongside cost savings.
5. ICICI Direct Demat Account
- Best for: Trusted brand with 3-in-1 account
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹300–₹700/year
- Brokerage: Higher than discount brokers
- Platform: ICICI Direct Web & Mobile App
ICICI Direct offers a secure and reliable 3-in-1 account (banking, trading, Demat) and wide product choices, preferred by investors seeking comprehensive financial services.
6. HDFC Securities Demat Account
- Best for: Existing HDFC Bank customers
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹750/year
- Brokerage: 0.5% for delivery; ₹25 or 0.05% intraday
- Platform: HDFC Securities App
HDFC Securities offers smooth integration with HDFC Bank accounts, providing convenience and reliable service at a premium price.
7. Motilal Oswal Demat Account
- Best for: Research-driven investors
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹400/year (with free offers available)
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order
- Platform: MO Investor App
Motilal Oswal is known for in-depth stock research and advisory services, ideal for investors who want quality insights to make decisions.
. 5Paisa Demat Account
- Best for: Low-cost trading, DIY investors
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: Free
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order
- Platform: 5Paisa App
Offers a flat brokerage plan for active traders and DIY investors, with smart tools for independent decision-making.
9. IIFL Demat Account
- Best for: Commodity & equity trading
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹0 for first year
- Brokerage: ₹20 per order
- Platform: IIFL Markets App
IIFL is popular for commodity trading alongside equities, making it ideal for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
10. Kotak Securities Demat Account
- Best for: Investors wanting a reliable 3-in-1 account
- Account Opening Fee: Free
- AMC: ₹600/year
- Brokerage: ₹20 per trade under Trade Free Plan
- Platform: Kotak Neo App
Kotak Securities offers a dependable 3-in-1 account and excellent customer support, preferred by many for integrated banking and trading.
Key Features to Compare Before Choosing a Best Demat Accounts in India
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Brokerage Charges | Flat fees or percentage-based |
| Account Opening Fees | Prefer free or low fees |
| AMC (Annual Charges) | ₹0–₹500 is reasonable |
| Mobile App Quality | User-friendly, fast, and reliable |
| Trading Segments | Equity, F&O, commodities, IPOs |
| Customer Support | Quick and helpful response |
| Tools & Charts | Advanced features for traders |
| Research Reports | Quality insights for better trading |
| Integration | Seamless with UPI and bank accounts |
Documents Required to Open a Demat Accounts in India
- PAN card
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details
- Mobile number linked to Aadhaar
- Cancelled cheque or bank statement
- Passport-size photograph
Most brokers offer paperless eKYC for quick online account opening.
Is Your Money Safe in a Demat Account?
Yes, securities are held safely with regulated depositories (NSDL/CDSL). Brokers registered with SEBI adhere to strict compliance and safety norms. Use TPINs, two-factor authentication, and keep your app updated for added security.
Best Apps for Trading in India – 2025
Top-rated trading apps to consider:
- Zerodha Kite
- Upstox Pro
- Groww
- Angel One App
- 5Paisa App
Look for fast loading times, user-friendly interfaces, and rich features like screeners and watchlists.
Final Thoughts: Which Demat Account is Right for You?
- For lowest brokerage and powerful platforms, choose Zerodha or Upstox.
- For beginners and free accounts, Groww or Angel One shine.
- For premium research and advisory, consider Motilal Oswal or ICICI Direct.
- For bank integrated 3-in-1 accounts, HDFC Securities or Kotak Securities work best.
FAQs on Best Demat Accounts in India
Q1. Can I open multiple Demat accounts?
Yes, but only one per broker. Multiple accounts can help diversify strategies.
Q2. What is the minimum balance in a Demat account?
No minimum balance is required; maintain sufficient margin for intraday trades.
Q3. Are Demat accounts free?
Many brokers offer free account opening and zero AMC for the first year.
Q4. Which Demat account is best for IPOs?
Zerodha, Groww, and Angel One provide easy UPI-based IPO applications.
Q5. Which Demat account has the lowest brokerage?
Zerodha, Upstox, and 5Paisa offer flat ₹20 per order or less on intraday and F&O.
Conclusion for Best Demat Accounts in India
India’s equity markets are evolving rapidly, and technology has made stock investing accessible to all. Whether investing in blue-chip stocks, derivatives, or mutual funds, choosing the right Demat account is key to maximising returns and minimizing costs.
Compare brokerage, features, customer support, and security carefully before deciding. Start your investment journey in 2025 with confidence by selecting from these best online Demat accounts in India.
If you found this guide useful, please share it with fellow investors. Happy investing!